Sabres Resting Regulars for Final Game Before Playoffs

Buffalo to treat regular season finale against Dallas like a preseason game

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:51pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the abstracted forms of hockey players, the puck, and the ice surface in a vibrant color palette, conveying the raw energy and excitement of the Sabres' playoff run.An abstract, cubist interpretation of a hockey game captures the intensity and energy of the Sabres' playoff push.Buffalo Today

With the Buffalo Sabres and Dallas Stars having nothing to play for in their final regular season game, the Sabres have decided to rest some of their key players to keep them healthy for the upcoming playoffs against the Boston Bruins. Head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed that regulars like Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson, and Jason Zucker will not be playing, while younger players like Colten Ellis, Zach Metsa, and Josh Dunne will get a chance to see action. Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen is excited for the team's first playoff appearance in several years and is looking forward to the intensity the Sabres' passionate fanbase will bring.

Why it matters

Resting starters for the final game of the regular season is a common practice for teams that have already clinched a playoff spot, as it allows them to avoid potential injuries and keep their key players fresh for the postseason. The Sabres are taking this approach to protect their core group, especially with a tough first-round matchup against the Boston Bruins on the horizon.

The details

Ruff said the Sabres want to avoid the risk of any 'accidental injuries' in a game that has no bearing on their playoff positioning. Players like Dahlin, Thompson, and Zucker stayed off the ice after the morning skate, while younger players like Metsa, Timmins, and Dunne took part in the full session. Goaltender Colten Ellis, who recently recorded a shutout, will get the start in net for the Sabres.

  • The Sabres' final regular season game is on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
  • The Sabres will face the Boston Bruins in the first round of the playoffs.

The players

Lindy Ruff

Head coach of the Buffalo Sabres.

Rasmus Dahlin

Star defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres.

Tage Thompson

Top-line forward for the Buffalo Sabres.

Jarmo Kekalainen

General manager of the Buffalo Sabres, with previous experience as GM of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Colten Ellis

Goaltender for the Buffalo Sabres who recently recorded a shutout.

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What they’re saying

“We are going to rest some guys, just stay away from the chance of some guys getting hurt.”

— Lindy Ruff, Head Coach

“I'm just real happy for the whole team and everybody around it, the people that have worked for the organization for a long time, I think it means a lot, they get rewarded for the hard work that they've done all year and it's great to see.”

— Jarmo Kekalainen, General Manager

What’s next

The Sabres will face the Boston Bruins in the first round of the NHL playoffs following the conclusion of the regular season.

The takeaway

By resting their key players for the final game, the Sabres are prioritizing health and rest over chasing a meaningless regular season win. This approach should help them be as fresh and prepared as possible to take on the tough Boston Bruins in the playoffs, where the Sabres will look to make a deep run after ending their postseason drought.